Three Hopes for IndyCar 2010: The Franchise, The Knob and The Button

There are three things that the IndyCar faithful can take solace in as 2010 approaches ... The Franchise, The Knob and The Button.

The Franchise

Out of the ashes .... a rival. Or rivals. What The Franchise (Danica Patrick, who else?) needs is a rival. Preferably a woman. Because Danica is used to being the queen, so what would rile her more than a female rival?

How about Simona De Silvestro? Maybe? Sarah Fisher would make a great rival for Danica, except Sarah's an (Scott Goodyear voice) oval course specialist.

Last year Sarah ran pretty well and actually inhaled Danica for position on a few ovals, but never has finished in front of her with everyone running (as far as I can remember).

Maybe this year Sarah can give Danica a run, but Sarah's limited schedule also prevents the rivalry from really blossoming.

On twisties, Sarah is no threat to Danica. But let's scan down the old timing sheet from Barber, shall we? Hmmmm. Wait a second. Simona ran faster than Danica. What the? Who's idea?

I know, I know. Barber was just a test. Don't get your undies knotted. Doesn't mean a lot, but Simona -- driving for HVM Racing in one of her first IndyCar road tests ever -- was faster than Danica driving for Mighty Andretti Autosport. Knowing Danica, that did not go over well.

Bonus, Simona seems to be the opposite of Danica. Much less "glamor" and more podium metal hoisting. I'm NOT saying one is better than the other, but the fact that they are opposites is key to creating a rivalry. Just as Sarah and Danica are pretty much polar opposites in personality.

And a rivalry would be good for Danica. A rivalry makes everything more interesting and often attracts more publicity, cash, and fame than just one superstar can on his or her own. IndyCar was built on stars, but also on stars competition with each other. Rivals motivate each other to continue to improve. So let's hope Simona rises up and creates a twisty course rivalry with Danica, while Sarah takes the oval game up.

Because this isn't miniature golf, as Danica says, and it's not a math test either. The best racing is when shit goes down ... and IT IS ON. And then suddenly as the old saying goes, we got ourselves a game. Take a second to get goosebumps...

The Knob

IndyCar and Honda have ripped out the fuel saving knob for 2010. Huge. Does that mean the end to fuel mileage races? NO. But it does mean that it won't be as simple as pushing a button or twisting a knob. Even I can set my cruise control. But can I keep my car going exactly 67 mph using just my right foot? Sure, for a while, but it's harder, and I may screw up.

So rejoice in the knob being GONE. It will add strategy and at least a bit more of an element of the unexpected to the mix.

The Button

The horsepower boost for the overtake button on IndyCars is being almost doubled. Drivers get a certain number of boosts (say 20 boosts of 12 seconds each). Sure, they can be used to prevent being passed as well as pass. But the thing is you only get 20, so you'll have to decide when to use them. Strategy. And it can't hurt overtaking.

The Franchise, The Knob and the Button. Three reasons to at least have some hope that 2010 won't just be a replay of 2009.

Comments

[Edward]

I cannot imagine what the princess thought when she saw Simona ahead of her on the time sheets, even though it was just a test. Go, Simona!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BTB.

As for the other things, yes, those are both good things. Anything that puts the racing in the hands of the drivers and separates the men from the boys-or the women from the girls-is a good thing.

[Stuart Blu]

Yeah Simona..come on beat DP!!!! At least you won in the Atlantic's!

[Richard Smith]

Simona certainly has the right credentials and seems to be the real deal!

[Racewknd]

Go Simona!!
Good to see something IICS, & you're spot on w/analysis for hope for upcoming season.

[Jim Bob]

I need to see Simona in a bikini or in some low-class 4th grade level commercials, before she can be a true "rival".

Afterall, its not about the "racing". Its about whose "brand" is bigger.